PLEA 


FOR 


DELIVERED 


ON  THE 


NEWBURYPOlfcfc 


MAY^fc2 


BY  S.  P.  WILLIAMS. 


PUBLISHED  ^R  THE  BENEFIT  OF  THE  ASYLUM. 


PRINTED  BY  W.  &  J.  OILMAN, 

PRINTERS  AND  BOOKSELLERS,  PHENIX-BU1LDIN6, 
NO.  9,  STATE-STREET. 


THE  Managers  of  the  FKMALE  CHARITABLE  SOCIETY, 
direct  me  to  express  to  the  REV.  MR.  WILLIAMS,  their  entire 
satisfaction  with  the  ADDRESS  delivered  this  day,  in  behalf  of 
the  Female  Asylum,  and  to  request  a  copy  for  the  press. 

ELIZABETH  BALCII,  SEC'V. 
Newburyport,  May  21,  1822. 


ton 


THE    ORPHAN 


VV  E  admire  the  magnanimity  of  the  man, 
who,  disregarding  every  distinction  of  person,  sex,  and 
rank,  honors  good  deeds,  and  whose  gratitude  seeks  for 
their  authors  a  present  reward.  We  admire  still  more 
the  religion,  which  elevates  many  of  both  sexes,  and 
some  of  every  rank  in  life,  to  such  peculiar  greatness, 
and  which  alone  furnishes  us  with  models  of  appropri- 
ate excellence.  In  him,  Avho  came  not  to  be  ministered 
unto  but  to  minister,  and  in  his  disciples  of  both  sexes, 
we  have  perceived  such  magnanimity,  and  in  the  relig- 
ion which  he  taught,  and  wPthis  exclusively,  we  have 
found  such  an  influence. 

Christianity,  alone,  has  marked  with  precision,  the 
official  boundaries  between  the  two  great  divisions  of 
mankind  ;  clearly  defined  the  duties  of  their  several  re- 
lations, and  wisely  assigned  the  stations  which  they  may 
occupy  with  appropriate  dignity.  It  is  from  this  we 
learn,  that  the  modesty  which  gives  a  polish  to  the 
sternest  virtues  of  our  sex,  is  essential  to  the  very  na- 
ture of  virtue,  in  woman.  It  is  this,  which  while  it  pre- 
scribes a  silent  and  gentle  manner,  allows,  and  com- 
mends in  her,  a  powerful  and  extensive  influence.  It 
clothes  her  with  a  profusion  of  ornaments,  alike  costly 
and  beautiful,  because  they  are  the  adornings  of  the 


heart :  those  retired  virtues,  which  render  her  lovely  to 
the  Christian  observer,  rather  than  the  decorations  and 
embellishments  by  which  she  might  more  successfully 
*  obtrude  herself  on  the  common  eye.  We  hear  only  in- 
cidentally, for  this,  of  the  names  and  the  services  of  dis- 
tinguished women  in  the  infant  church,  yet  they  are 
noticed  even  in  this  manner,  not  without  hints  of  the 
warmest  affection  and  gratitude,  as  cooperating  with 
their  sister  spirits  of  a  higher  sphere,  in  furthering  the 
grand  object  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  This  object,  as 
man  is  regarded,  is  to  make  us  good  and  happy  our- 
selves, and  having  eiFe'cted  this,  to  secure,  through  our 
agency,  the  deliverance  of  all  the  subjects  of  ignorance 
and  vice  and  wretchedness  around  us.  Whoever  dis- 
creetly and  delightfully  contributes  to  this  end,  is  en- 
titled to  the  honorable  distinction  of  a  laborer  in  the 
vineyard  of  GOD,  being  associated  with  the  various 
orders  of  his  whole  family,  in  ministering  to  them  who 
shall  be  heirs  of  salvation.  Among  them  all,  there  is 
but  one  ultimate  design  ai^Jnterest ;  and  however  re- 
mote their  present  relatra!^  however  diversified  their 
powers,  however  enlarged  or  limited  their  sphere  of 
action,  there  should  be  the  most  cordial  cooperation, 
There  is  equal  need,  of  those  engaged  in  the  less  con- 
spicuous and  more  prominent  parts  of  the  Christian  call- 
ing. All,  therefore,  should  be  alike  prompt  to  give  and 
to  receive  encouragement  to  virtuous  enterprizcs,  or  to 
patient  continuance  in  that  well  doing,  to  which  they 
have  been  already  excited.  It  was  with  views  such  as 
these,  and  under  a  conviction  of  the  importance  of  unit- 
ed action,  the  chief  of  the  apostles  cautioned  the  friends 
of  goodness,  against  all  differences  which  might  endan- 
ger or  obstruct  the  interests,  of  the  infant  Christian  in- 
stitutions. It  was  under  such  impressions,  he  sustained 


the  cause  of  female  enterprize,  when  tending  to  the 
grand  result  Christianity  proposes,  and  claimed  from  the 
Christians  at  Phitlippi,  for  those  who  had  embarked  in 
it,  the  encouragement  and  aid,  which  virtuous  designs 
and  well  concerted  measures,  ever  merit  from  men. 

It  is  a  man  of  no  less  consideration  than  Paul,  in  a 
religion  of  no  lower  origin  than  Christianity,  who  ad- 
dresses us,  and  in  the  very  language  employed  eighteen 
hundred  years  ago,  on  an  occasion  not  unlike  the  pres- 
ent, says  to  this  assembly— HELP  THOSE  WOMEN  WHICH 
labor  WITH  ME  L\  THE  GOSPEL, 

It  was  the  sentiment  of  his  unerring  pen,  if  I  mis- 
take not,  and  for  this  reason  it  is  mine,  and  should  be 
yours,  that  every  institution  and  enterprize  conducive  to 
the  real  welfare  of  mankind,  contributes  to  promote  the 
honor  of  Christianity  :  that  it  is  our  duty  of  consequence 
to  patronize  such  institutions  and  promote  such  enter- 
prizes,  by  giving  substantial  encouragement  to  those 
who  are  actively  engaged  in  them. 

To  illustrate  this  sentiment,  it  would  be  enough,  to 
shew  that  the  religion  of  Christ  comprehends  in  its  ob^ 
ject,  every  thing  which  tends  to  promote  the  ultimate 
good  of  mankind,  That  it  is  a  system  of  divine  charn 
ty,  proposing  terms  of  peace  for  the  wicked,  and  pro- 
viding ample  means  of  relief  for  the  helpless  and  the 
wretched.  Every  where  does  the  gospel  instruct  us, 
that  GOD  delighteth  in  mercy — that  his  love  is  uncon- 
strained and  boundless- — that  man,  even  while  an  ene- 
my, is  the  object  of  his  compassion — that  the  Father 
sent  the  Son  to  be  the  savior  of  the  world — that  being 
independent  of  creatures,  the  favor  of  GOD  is  bestowed 
without  any  sordid  views  on  his  part ;  without  merit 
and  against  desert,  on  ours  :  and  that  while  the  reign  of 
grace  continues,  this  world  will  remain  the  theatre  of 


G 


his  active  and  unwearied  compassion.  These  are  the 
good  tidings  ;  and  this  the  evidence  that  Christianity  is 
nothing  less  than  the  broad  system  of  charity,  which 
seeks  the  ultimate  good  of  all  mankind.  This  opinion 
is  confirmed  by  the  animating  fact,  that  GOD  has  not 
merely  revealed  his  will  to  bless  us  in  all  this  extent, 
but  in  order  to  bind  us  to  cooperate  with  him,  has  en- 
joined it  as  an  indispensable  duty,  that  we  be  merciful 
even  as  our  father  in  heaven  is  merciful. 

We  need  little  Christian  discernment,  to  find  this  spir- 
it of  benignity  pervading  all  the  doctrines,  promises,  pre- 
cepts, and  even  admonitions  and  denunciations  of  the 
gospel.  Whatever  be  the  means  employed,  the  same 
grand  object  is  pursued,  the  same  result  is  sought.  The 
spirit  of  Christianity  is  a  spirit  of  disinterested  kindness. 
Its  object,  the  restoration  of  man's  moral  nature  to  the 
image  of  GOD'S.  Its  result,  a  full  developement  of  the 
principles  and  affections  which  have  governed  them  res- 
pectively. 

Charity  then,  the  charity  of  a  GOD,  is  the  reigning 
principle  of  the  religion  of*  Christ.  The  charity  of  an- 
gels and  men,  the  grand  mean  of  adorning  and  univer- 
sally diffusing  his  gospel,  of  accomplishing  its  object, 
and  of  sharing  delightfully  in  the  glories  of  its  result. 
Such  is  the  view  which  the  word  of  GOD  has  given,  of 
itself  and  its  designs,  of  its  author  and  its  influence.  GOD 
is  love,  and  whoever  is  governed  by  this  affection,  has 
fellowship  with  GOD.  All  the  executive  parts  of  the 
Christian  redemption,  directly  exhibit  this  fact.  It  was 
to  call  sinners  to  repentance,  the  Redeemer  came.  It 
was  to  ransom  not  the  unfortunate  but  the  guilty,  the 
Redeemer  died.  Not  to  instruct  the  boastful  sage,  but 
to  impart  to  conscious  ignorance,  the  wisdom  of  GOD,  the 
taught.  To  loose  the  chains  of  satan's  captive? 


and  open  the  gates  of  immortality  to  the  prisoner  of  the 
grave,  were  the  grand  objects  for  which  Immanuel  dwelt 
with  men.     Look  at  him  and  his  religion,  through  what 
medium  you  will,  and  you  behold  prominent  over  every 
other,  this  feature  of  mercy.     Christianity,  is  eminently 
a  system  of  consolation  for  the  wretched  :  for  just  such 
a  race  of  beings,  as  this  world  has  always  presented  to 
the  discerning  eye.      A  race,  poor  and  miserable   and 
blind  and  naked,  as  every  man  will  find,  who  has  cour- 
age to  look  into  his  heart,  and  integrity  to  tell  himself 
what   is  lacking  there.       Christianity  is  a  religion,  a- 
dapted  perfectly,  to  the  wants  of  no  other  than  such  a 
race.     Propose  it  to  angels,  and  you  do  but  mock  them. 
They,  need  not  its  provisions  :  they,  are  above  its  rem- 
edies.     None,  other  than  the  lost,   really  need   them  : 
none  other  than  the  sensibly  depraved  and  wretched, 
can  feel  their  adaptedness  to  man's  condition,  nor  avail 
themselves  of  their  recovering  efficacy.     None,  other 
than  men,   subjected  in  their  own  view  to  painful  vicis- 
situde for  their  sins,  and  Avho  with  the  most  distinguish- 
ed natural  gifts  and  acquirements,  are  without  hope  arid 
without  GOD  in  the  world,  will  justly  appreciate  the  ex- 
cellence of  Christianity,  and  avail  themselves  of  its  pro- 
visions for  their  deliverance.       For  all  that  is  found  in 
any  of  our  race,  more  elevated  in  character,   more  de- 
sirable in  destiny  than  is  comprehended  in  the  preced- 
ing description,  they  are  indebted  to  the  influence  of  tho 
gospel  of  Christ.       To  the  true  dignity  and  comfort 
of  such  a  being  as  man,  in  such  a  condition,  what  in- 
structions, what  institutions  have  at  all  contributed,  oth- 
er than  those,  founded  and  supported  by  the  influence 
of  that  religion  ?     Cast  your  eye  over  that  portion  of 
the  globe,  on  ;which  the  hand  of  incarnate  charity  has 
either    raised   or  left,  no  monument  of  its  redeeming 


power.  Is  it  but  a  single  family  ?  Where  are  the  chil- 
dren which  it  has  reared  to  anything  better  than  a 
heathen's  doings,  and  a  heathen's  destiny.  Is  it  a  prov- 
ince, or  a  kingdom  ?  Search  its  legends,  write  out  the 
fairest  acts  of  its  wisdom,  its  policy,  its  goodness,  and 
you  will  have  produced  little  more  than  a  compound  of 
selfishness  and  folly.  The  attestation  of  profane  histo- 
ry, and  that  of  our  sacred  books,  is  one.  It  is  given  us  in 
words  of  dreadful  import.  "  The  whole  world  lieth  in 
wickedness."  On  every  moral  subject,  its  covering  is 
palpable  darkness.  Its  wisdom  is  earthly,  sensual,  de- 
moniacal. Its  religion,  obscenity,  absurdity,  blasphemy. 
Its  tender  mercies  are  cruelty.  Of  Christianity,  which 
aims  to  restore  man,  to  holy  purposes  and  holy  pleas- 
ures; which  makes  its  way  to  the  habitations  and  the 
hearts  of  its  enemies,  by  unasked  kindness,  and  through 
the  endurance  of  perils  and  labors  and  sorrows  ;  which 
even  through  charities  administered  to  the  body,  aims 
to  carry  a  healing  touch  to  the  heart ;  which  assails  the 
conscience  in  the  still,  small  voice,  and  by  goodness  lead- 
eth  to  repentance  ;  and  which  even  when  riding  on  the 
whirlwind,  alarms  the  unsuspecting,  only  that  he  may 
take  the  way  of  escape  ;  of  the  genius  of  a  religion  such 
as  this,  not  a  lineament  nor  expression  is  to  be  found,  in 
all  the  pagan  world.  The  institutions  which  have  grown 
out  of  their  superstitions,  do  not  aim  at  the  real  welfare 
of  man.  They  knew  not  what  is  good  for  him.  Those 
institutions  had  no  reference  to  the  divine  glory.  The 
wisdom  of  this  world  reached  not,  the  knowledge  of  his 
moral  nature.  But  had  they  arrived  at  just  conclusions 
concerning  both,  they  must  have  possessed  affections 
not  common  to  man,  to  have  framed  their  rites  and  in- 
stitutes, with  designs  coincident  with  those  of  Jesus 
Christ.  To  say,  however,  what  is  the  chief  good  of 


man,  was  as  far  beyond  their  wisdom,  as  the  love  of 
honoring  GOD  and  doing  good,  was  high  above  their 
virtue. 

Christianity,  not  only  founds  no  institution  whose  ob- 
ject terminates  on  the  interests  of  the  present  state,  but 
recognizes  none  as  the  fruit  of  devotedness  to  her  cause, 
which  is  not  a  mean  of  man's  ascent  in  moral  improve- 
ment. In  her  hands^  the  insane  hospital,  the  asylum 
for  the  deaf  and  the  diseased  of  every  species,  and  ev- 
en the  common  jail,  embrace  as  their  object  the  real 
good  of  the  sufferer,  as  well  as  the  safety  and  comfort 
of  society.  The  seminaries  of  science,  of  literature, 
of  the  fine  af  tSj  so  far  as  they  are  under  her  influence, 
always  tend  to  extend  our  admiration  of  the  Deity  ;  to 
purify  and  heighten  our  social  enjoyments  ;  to  elevate 
our  moral  and  religious  character  and  prospects.  Those 
ordinances  of  GOD  Avhich  primarily  regard  man  as  a 
creature  of  this  World,  are  designed  and  fitted,  to  affect 
favorably  his  future  welfare.  Civil  government  for  ex- 
ample, is  avowedly  ordained,  to  facilitate  the  godliness 
and  honesty  of  men,  who  without  its  imposing  and  impar- 
tial aspect,  are  willing,  in  all  things  to  live  honestly  and 
if  it  be  possible,  with  all  men,  peaceably.  To  every 
thing  she  fosters,  to  every  thing  on  which  she  looks  with 
approbation.  Christianity  imparts  a  moral  hue  and  lustre, 
resembling  her  own  purity  and  brilliance.  Nothing  is 
done,  nothing  proposed,  in  her  spirit,  in  which  there  is 
not  discoverable,  something  of  the  hallowed  charity  of 
her  founder. 

But  if  the  character  of  every  institution  is  known  by 
its  tendency  to  promote  the  real  welfare  of  our  species, 
and  if  whatever  tends  to  this,  contributes  to  honor  chris- 
tiamty,  how  obviously  docs  it  become  our  duty,  to  pat- 
ronize and  help  those  who  arc  engaged  in  enterprizes 

B 


of  such  a  character.  This  is  not  merely  a  duty  impos- 
ed by  the  law  of  charity,  but  the  actual  expression  of 
such  charity.  For  what  avails  it  to  say,  I  love  my  GOD, 
if  I  refuse  him  the  service  he  demands  ?  or,  I  love  my 
neighbor,  if  I  withhold  my  aid,  which  is  the  only  substan- 
tial good  my  love  can  do  him?  Without  such  an  influ- 
ence, love  is  in  Avord  only,  and  in  tongue,  and  is  of  no 
more  utility,  than  indifference.  The  only  full  expres- 
sion of  charity,  is  a  keeping  her  commandments.  To 
adore  and  praise  her  name  only,  is  idolatry.  If  we  would 
be  her  disciples  indeed,  we  must  AVash  the  feet  of  her 
coarsest  and  rudest  children.  Do  to  others  therefore, 
said  our  lawgiver  while  he  was  giving  us  the  example, 
as  I  have  done  to  you.  Ascertain,  hearer,  the  amount 
of  that  doing,  and  the  spirit  of  the  performance,  and  ac- 
cording to  your  ability,  you  have  learned  the  measure 
of  your  duty  to  every  object  of  charity  upon  the  earth  : 
and  if  duty  be  not  with  you  a  thing  of  fancy,  then  in  the 
returns  you  make  for  a  Savior's  love,  you  will  pledge 
yourself  to  every  institution,  which  decidedly  subserves 
the  interests  of  his  kingdom. 

In  the  age  in  which  it  is  our  privilege  to  live,  an  al- 
most boundless  field  for  beneficent  action,  is  opened  be- 
fore us.  The  number  of  institutions  and  associations, 
which  have  sprung  up  in  aid  of  the  gospel,  or  through 
the  gospel's  influence,  in  aid  of  human  improvement ; 
all  of  them  presenting  a  specious,  and  many  of  them  a 
just  claim  to  our  regard,  is  beyond  my  power  of  recol- 
lection. To  the  generous  mind,  notwithstanding,  to  the 
man  who  has  ceased  to  live  to  himself,  and  whose  hap- 
piness is  proportioned  to  his  facilities  for  conferring  the 
richest  favors,  and  honoring  the  religion  which  is  both 
his  law  and  his  example,  to  such  a  man,  this  fact  is  not 
alarming.  It  brings  to  his  ear  no  unwelcome  tidings, 


11 


no  evil  forebodings  to  his  heart.  The  era  of  intelligent 
piety  and  diffusive  goodness,  is  to  him,  the  era  of  Messi- 
ah's rising  glory,  and  of  the  joy  and  triumph,  as  well  as 
trial,  of  his  peoples  faith.  A  trial,  more  precious  than  that 
of  gold,  because  always  found  honorable,  to  the  disciple 
indeed.  For  though  he  glories  only  in  the  LORD,  he  is 
glad  of  opportunities  to  prove,  that  his  glorying  is  not 
to  be  made  void.  How  then  can  the  calls  of  the  wretch- 
ed, and  for  no  other,  is  his  bounty  claimed,  become  too 
frequent,  too  importunate  ?  He  can  give,  only  accord- 
ing to  that  he  hath,  and  with  a  mind  willing  thus  to  give, 
is  accepted.  He  can  part  with  no  more  than  a//,  for 
Christ's  sake  and  the  gospel's.  He  can  love  his  neigh- 
bor only  as  himself;  and  all  this  he  was  bound  to  do  in 
his  affections,  to  prove  him  a  disciple,  when  such  calls 
were  seldom  heard,  and  when  they  were  addressed  to 
his  vanity  rather  than  his  conscience. 

There  were  genuine  disciples,  when  such  claims 
were  rarely  heard,  and  had  the  better  part  of  mankind 
known  the  miseries  of  the  rest,  had  the  Christian  discov- 
ered, how,  by  his  hand,  they  might  be  reached  and  re- 
lieved, they  would  have  been  long  ago  practically  ac- 
knowledged. The  darkness  is  now  past.  The  kingdom 
of  Christ,  for  which  prayer  has  been  made  continually, 
approaches  its  establishment.  The  times  in  which  he 
is  to  reign  in  every  nation,  draw  on.  His  salvation  is 
near  to  come,  and  his  right  and  righteousness  to  be  uni- 
versally revealed.  In  a  voice  heard  even  to  earth,  He 
asks  of  the  Father,  the  heathen  for  his  inheritance.  The 
heathen  need  a  deliverer  like  him.  Ethiopia  stretches 
out  her  hand  in  supplication.  The  isles  are  ready  for  his 
law.  The  sea,  whose  abundance  is  to  be  converted  unto 
him,  begins  to  reflect  the  image  of  his  banner.  The  kings 
who  are  afar  off,  bring  presents  to  him  and  offer  gifts. 


Even  the  waters  of  Israel,  again  are  troubled  by  the 
angel  of  mercy.  Stranger  and  more  auspicious  still,  the 
warrior  rests  upon  his  arms  and  muses  in  doubt  to  find 
the  PRINCE  OF  PEACE,  in  the  instruments  of  vengeance 
and  garments  rolled  in  human  blood.  The  watchmen 
approach  the  consummation  of  seeing  eye  to  eye  and 
singing  together  with  the  voice,  while  the  disciples  of 
the  one  GOD,  no  longer  opposing  each  other,  with  the 
word  of  the  common  salvation,  unite  in  the  practical 
confession,  of  its  sufficiency  to  make  the  simple  wise, 
and  join  their  strength  to  send  its  sound  through  all  the 
earth  and  its  words,  unmended,  to  the  ends  of  the  world, 
By  the  great  engine  now  in  motion,  for  in  relation  to  the 
moral  machinery  of  Christendom,  all  are  but  parts  of  one 
stupendous  whole,  by  this  great  engine,  GOD  is  raising 
the  river  of  the  water  of  life  to  a  height,  whence  every 
field  shall  be  irrigated,  and  the  productions  of  the  for-r 
mcr  Eden  be  forgotten,  in  the  more  extensive  and  dur- 
able fruits  of  that  which  is  to  come, 

The  same  GOD,  however,  who  operates  in  the  greatr 
er,  is  not  ashamed  to  be  known,  as  concerned  in  the 
more  minute  events.  Nor  are  his  wonders  confined  to 
the  sublime  in  greatness.  The  hand  which  rolls  the 
planets  through  their  courses,  feeds  the  sparrow.  The 
mind  which  regulates  the  complicated  movements  of  the 
universe,  numbers  the  hairs  and  counts  the  tears,  of  his 
obscurest  friend.  From  the  contemplation  of  more 
splendid  objects  and  their  powerful  claims,  the  occasion 
summons  me  back,  to  bespeak  your  interest,  in  a  mere 
streamlet  of  the  river  of  GOD.  Condescend  then,  to 
those  who  tread  the  more  retired  and  humble  walks  of 
usefulness,  and  if  it  is  your  happiness  to  labor  in  a  high- 
er sphere,  be  in  this,  also,  the  followers  of  GOD. 


13 


But  what  can  I  add  to  the  arguments  of  those  gener- 
ous men*  who  have  plead  before  me,  on  this  anniversary, 
the  cause  of  the  Society,  in  whose  name  I  address  you  ? 

Shall  I  tell  you,  that  the  object  it  pursues,  is  com- 
prehended in  that  system  of  charity  which  the  gospel 
enjoins  ?  He  who  has  neither  mistaken  nor  forgotten 
the  language  of  his  Bible,  needs  not  to  be  thus  instruct- 
ed of  me. 

Shall  I  press  upon  you  the  fact,  that  a  soul  in  Amer- 
ica, is  as  precious  as  a  soul  in  India,  and  without  Chris- 
tian instruction  and  discipline,  as  much  in  danger,  and  no 
less  to  our  shame  in  danger,  of  being  lost  ?  Need  it  be 
said,  that  an  Orphan,  in  sight  of  a  Christian  temple, 
is  no  less  an  object  of  interest  and  of  holy  compassion, 
than  a  child  in  the  same  forlorn  condition,  in  the  forests 
which  skirt  the  missionary  cabins  of  Elliot  and  Brainerd  ? 

Shall  I  go  further,  and  say  that  he  who  cares  not 
for  those  in  distress  and  danger,  within  reach  of  his  eye 
and  his  hand,  is  neglecting  the  duty  and  losing  the  pleas- 
ure of  Christian  charity,  though  he  may  have  peopled  the 
wilderness  with  missionaries.  No,  enlightened  hearer. 
These  greetings  too  often  meet  you,  from  men  alike  ne* 
glectful  of  the  wretched,  at  home  and  abroad,  to  need 
repetition  here. 

Let  me  rather  appeal  to  your  discernment  and  your 
better  feelings,  by  stating  such  facts  as  I  have  been  able 
to  collect,  and  leave  to  their  eloquence^  the  power  to 
persuade. 

The  Society  for  whom  I  solicit  help,  was  formed  in 
the  year  1803,  and  two  years  after,  incorporated  by  the 
General  Court.  It  was  among  the  first  charitable  asso- 
ciations of  the  town.  It  has  the  honor  of  that  charity, 
so  generally  extolled,  which  begins  at  home  ;  which 

*  Appendix,  1. 


14 


provides  for  the  destitute  around  its  door,  before  it  goes 
in  quest  of  similar  objects  abroad.  It  is  entitled  there- 
fore to  the  patronage  of  that  large  class  of  society,  who 
insist  on  such  an  order  of  selection,  as  the  condition  of 
their  bounty. 

The  avowed,  and  I  doubt  not  the  real  object  of  this 
association,  is,  "  to  rescue  from  poverty  and  vice,  to  in- 
struct and  train  to  virtue  and  usefulness,  female  orphan 
children."  Thirty  of  this  description,  have  already  re- 
ceived the  benefactions  of  the  Society,  and  been  succes- 
sively removed  into  families  of  sobriety  and  virtue,  sub- 
ject to  the  ordinary  domestic  services  of  children  of  their 
rank,  dependent  upon  their  own  hands  for  the  means 
of  subsistence.  Eight,  still  remain  under  its  immediate 
inspection,  entirely  dependent  on  its  bounty  for  food  and 
raiment,  and  the  means  both  of  ordinary  and  religious 
instruction.  The  fidelity  with  which  the  children  of 
the  asylum  have  been  nurtured,  and  fitted  for  the  sphere 
in  life,  in  which  they  are  destined  to  move,  is  best  told 
in  the  appearance  which  they  exhibit,  and  in  the  in- 
creasing demand  for  them,  by  respectable  families,  both 
at  home  and  abroad. 

The  object  of  the  Society,  is  a  noble  object ;  and 
the  fact  that  it  has  not  been  universally  approved,  dis- 
credits not  at  all,  the  Society  or  its  patrons.  It  is  the 
fate  of  every  good  object,  in  the  present  imperfect  and 
mixed  state,  to  meet  disapprobation  not  only  from  the 
selfish,  but  from  the  ill  informed  among  the  benevolent. 
The  orphan  asylum  of  New-York,  formed  in  1806,  said 
its  most  zealous  friend,  "  was  feeble  in  its  origin,  the  jest 
of  most,  the  ridicule  of  many,  and  met  the  opposition  of 
not  a  few  ;  but  GOD  put  his  seal  upon  it,  and  facts  and 
sense,  soon  converted  prejudice  into  patronage."  In  two 
years  from  its  establishment,  it  became  a  favorite  with 


15 


the  public.  A  house  was  erected  for  it  Avithin  this  pe-> 
riod,  sufficient  for  the  accommodation  of  200  children  ; 
and  from  a  subscription  of  350  dollars,  the  sum  with 
which  its  operations  commenced,  it  came  into  the  pos- 
session of  property  to  the  amount  of  25,000  dollars.  It 
will  be  long  remembered  with  sentiments  of  high  com- 
mendation, that  a  grant  of  500  dollars  annually,  was  ear- 
ly made  to  the  asylum  by  the  legislature  of  that  state. 
The  same  good  sense  and  good  feeling,  have  been  re- 
cently exhibited  in  relation  to  the  same  object,  both 
by  individuals  and  by  the  legislature  of  Pennsylvania. 
Their  establishment,  of  only  seven  years  standing,  ac- 
cording to^my  recollection,  had  accumulated  property  to 
the  amount  of  not  less  than  40,000  dollars,  inclusive  of 
the  public  grant  of  10,000.  Since  the  destruction  of  its 
commodious  arid  beautiful  edifice,  more  than  40,000  dol- 
lars is  said  to  have  been  raised  in  that  city,  always  dis- 
tinguished for  its  munificence,  to  repair  the  loss. 

The  Society  in  this  town,  unlike  those  of  the  capi- 
tals mentioned  above,  limits  its  regard  to  female  orphans. 
We  are  obliged  to  say  it  is  unlike  them,  also,  in  public 
favor,  and  that  though  earlier  in  its  formation,  we  are 
farther  behind  them  in  zeal  and  gifts  for  its  prosperity, 
than  in  population  and  wealth. 

To  the  institution  here,  it  has  been  objected,  that 
the  town  is  too  small,  to  render  it  necessary.  But  I 
have  yet  to  learn,  that  actual  suffering,  is  diminished  by 
the  dimensions  of  the  place  which  it  inhabits.  I  have 
yet  to  learn,  that  it  is  the  duty  and  the  privilege  of  large 
cities  only,  to  provide  for  the  destitute  sufferer.  Fol- 
lowers of  Christ !  Do  ye  say  that  Jerusalem  is  the  only 
place  where  men  ought  to  worship?  Were  the  charities 
of  your  master  exclusively  directed  to  the  poor  of  the 
metropolis  of  Judea,  or  to  them  also  of  the  little  villages 


of  Cana  and  Bethany  ?  It  is  the  fact  that  such  are  with 
us,  and  not  that  they  are  innumerable,  which  calls  for 
this  institution :  and  the  fewer  there  are  requiring  suc- 
cor, the  smaller  is  the  expense  required  for  their  relief. 
The  Society,  it  should  be  remembered,  have  done  no- 
thing to  create  the  evils,  they  are  endeavoring  to  re- 
move. They  found  these  children  destitute  and  expos- 
ed, and  therefore  with  generous  aim,  became  responsi- 
ble for  their  protection  and  relief.  Shall  we  betray 
their  confidence  in  our  ability  and  disposition  to  help 
them  ? 

Neither  the  utility  nor  necessity  of  this  association, 
can  longer  be  seriously  considered  doubtful.  The 
fact,  that  a  hundred  widows,  and  many  of  them  in  indi- 
gent circumstances,  are  found  in  a  single  congregation 
in  this  town,  goes  far  to  shew,  that  the  Society  judged 
well  of  its  necessity  ;  and  had  it  embraced  the  widow 
with  the  fatherless,  would  not  have  exceeded  in  the  du- 
ties of  that  religion,  Avhicli  is  pure  and  undefiled,  before 
GOD  and  the  Father. 

Consider  a  moment  some  of  the  causes  for  such  an 
association.  It  is  well  known,  that  in  populous  maritime 
districts,  a  greater  inequality  prevails  in  the  condition  of 
the  people,  than  in  those  of  the  same  extent  whose 
inhabitants  subsist  chiefly  by  agricultural  pursuits.  The 
causes  which  operate  to  the  production  of  this  ine- 
quality, and  which  will  always  operate  to  perpetuate 
it,  are  obvious. 

The  mariner,  who  is  dependent  on  the  success  of  ad- 
ventures almost  as  fluctuating  as  the  waves  on  which  he 
rides,  and  whose  condition  is  little  less  variable  than  the 
winds  which  control  his  bark,  however  frugal  and  indus- 
trious his  habits,  affords  his  family  but  a  precarious  sup 
port.  By  adversities  against  which  no  foresight  can 


17 


guard,  he  and  his  resources,  not  unfrequently  perish  to- 
gether. His  wife  is  unexpectedly  made  a  widow,  sinks 
into  despondency  or  dies  of  a  broken  heart,  and  her 
children  beg.  Often,  however,  the  habits  of  men,  not 
only  of  this  but  of  every  other  calling,  are  the  reverse 
of  those  described.  Vice,  brings  after  it  a  broken  con- 
stitution or  premature  death,  and  children  in  no  incon- 
siderable numbers,  without  crime  perhaps,  but  without 
education  or  means  of  support,  are  thrown  upon  the 
world,  exposed  to  more  than  common  temptations.  With- 
out a  friend  to  help  or  guide  them,  they  fall  into  habits 
of  vagrancy,  and  as  a  necessary  accompaniment,  of  idle- 
ness and  its  kindred  vices.  Female  children  in  such  cir- 
cumstances if  not  left  to  starve,  are  almost  certainly 
driven  to  what  is  worse,  the  unrestrained  indulgence  of 
corrupt  propensities,  and  the  practice  of  whatsoever 
things  are  unlovely  dishonest  indecent  and  of  ill  report. 
Without  any  culture  of  the  mind  or  manners,  without 
an  early  subjugation  of  the  passions  to  any  control,  and 
without  stated  or  useful  employment,  nothing  better  can 
be  rationally  expected  of  them,  than  that  they  become 
the  drones  and  the  pests  of  society  ;  useless  to  them- 
selves, fair  objects  of  seduction,  and  ultimately  the  cor- 
rupters  and  seducers  of  others.  Of  all  the  spectacles 
which  meet  our  eye,  none,  to  a  virtuous  or  even  delicate 
mind,  is  more  disgusting  hideous  and  loathsome,  than 
that  of  an  abandoned  female.  On  the  warrant  of  an  in- 
spired Prince,  we  avoid  the  door  of  her  house  as  the 
way  to  death,  her  touch  as  pollution,  and  her  compan- 
ionship as  hell.  To  preserve  the  destitute  and  friend- 
less, from  such  dangers  and  wretchedness,  and  society 
from  the  burden  of  such  members,  is  of  itself  an  object, 
worthy  of  all  the  efforts  which  this  association,  have  ev- 
er made.  Yet  this  is  not  the  most  interesting  part  of 

C 


18 

their  design.     It  is  to  afford  them  not  only  restraint  ari(J 
shelter,  but  the  means  of  such  culture,  as  shall  by  the 
blessing  of  GOD,  render  them  both  decent  and  virtuous; 
as  shall  not  only    save   them   from   squalid   wretched- 
ness   but  make  them  happy.        It  is  to  give  to  society 
in  them,  useful  assistants  in  domestic  labor,  and  ultimate- 
ly to  form  and  fit  them  for  the  station  of  wives  and  par- 
ents, the  helpers  of  others  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
This  is  the  least  comprehensive  object  of  this  Society, 
and  will  any  man  say  there  is  not  utility  in  the  association? 
that  there  is  not  honor  in  conceiving  and  executing  such 
a  design  ?  Above  all  docs  any  woman  think  it  unworthy 
of  her  regard  !   Who  else,  will  assume  the  task  and  res- 
ponsibility, of  thus  providing  for  this  class  of  the  unpro- 
tected and  unfortunate  ?   What  other  provision  for  them 
to  such  extent,  is  made,  or  has  been  made  ?     In  what 
other  way  can  the  objects  proposed,  probably  be  secur- 
ed ?     Who  will  vigilantly  and  hourly  inspect  their  con- 
duct, and  care  for  their  souls  ?     Who  fortify  them  a- 
gainst  temptation,  provide  them  comfortable  subsistence, 
attend  them  in  all  their  walks  and  guard  them  in  all 
their  ways,  watch  with  parental  solicitude  over  all  their 
interests,  and  qualify  them  for  honorable  however  hum- 
ble stations  among  their  species  ?    This  is  a  class  of  be- 
ings concerning  whom  it  was  said,  by  him  who  was  him- 
self friendless  in   the    world,   and   without    a  place    to 
lay  his  head,  I  am  come  to  seek  and  to  save,  that  which 
was  lost ;   concerning  whom  he  has  given  direction,  feed 
my  lambs  :  and  concerning  all  who  have  heard  and  obey- 
ed  his  voice,  he   has   also  said,    inasmuch  as  ye  have 
done  it  unto  these,  ye  have  done  it   unto  me.      In  face 
of  all  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered  and  under  the 
pressure  of  many  trials,  from  those   who  should  have 
been  their  helpers,  this  Society  has  stood  forth  a  sub- 


19 


stantial  advocate  and  friend  of  the  helpless  j  and  when  fa- 
ther and  mother  have  forsaken,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
iiavc  taken  them  up.    It  is  pledged  to  watch  over  them 
for  GOD  and  the  public;   to  give  them  such  instruction 
as  can  alone  fit  them  to  pass  through  life  with  reputation 
and  lay  a  foundation  for  hope.,  in  their  latter  end.       It 
iias  learned  them  to  lisp  with  sacred  meaning  the  name 
of  their  Creator,  and  breathe  to  him  the  humble  prayer; 
and  to  this  Society,  under  GOD,  these  children  will  be  in- 
debted, for  all  the  virtue  and  comfort,  of  their  future 
lives.      \Ve  have  seen  that  such  an  institution  is  both 
useful  and  necessary.     It  has  the  attributes  then  of  wis- 
dom and  goodness,  and  must  .be  acknowledged,  a  child 
of  Christianity.     Its  object,  like  that  of  all  Christian  in- 
stitutions, is  not  to  excite  the  vacant  gaze  and  useless 
admiration  of  the  world, or  ostentatiously  display  the  glo- 
ry of  female  enterprize,  but  simply  to  do  good;  to  pro- 
mote the  real  welfare  of  society  and  the  highest  interest 
of  the  wretched.       Instead  of  considering  it  a  reproach 
therefore,  to  those  who  have  cordially  embarked  in  it, 
\ye   rather  wonder  at  .those  of  the  sex,   who  esteem  it 
not  amoiiff  their  hjo;hest  honors,  to  be  found  in  the  list 

~  o  ' 

of  its  patrons  and  benefactors. 

I  said  there  was  wisdom  and  goodness  in  this  insti- 
tution, and  those  only  will  doubt  it,  who  suppose  its 
object  is,  to  raise  these  children  above  the  sphere 
•which  providence  has  assigned  them,  rather  .than  to  aid 
them  to  move  in  that  sphere  with  ability  and  profit. 
In  regard  to  goodness,  we  «eed  only  perceive  the  mater- 
nal character  of  the  institution,  and  the  fruits  it  has  al- 
ready produced,  most  solemnly  to  award  it  this  emi- 
nent distinction.  Who  has  not  felt  it  a  blessing,  to 
have  been  placed  under  the  fostering  care  of  a  gover*- 
ness,  who  commands  with  tenderness  of  affection,  in- 


20 


structs  with  assiduity  and  patience,  and  guards  and 
guides,  with  all  the  scrupulousness  of  a  religious  mind, 
while  she  continually  commends  her  pupils  to  the  divine 
regard,  in  the  availing  intercessions  of  a  pious  heart. 
To  such  a  governess,  the  early  years  of  some  of  us  were 
indebted,  for  most  of  their  profit  and  pleasure. 

Christian  Parent,  is  not  such  the  inheritance  you 
would  chuse  for  your  children  and  your  children's  chil- 
dren, should  it  please  GOD  to  cut  them  off  from  the 
fountain  of  maternal  tenderness,  without  a  friendly  roof 
to  which  to  flee,  for  shelter  and  a  home  ?  In  foresight 
of  such  an  event,  would  you  not  acknowledge  tl^e  hand 
of  divine  goodness,  in  providing  a  refuge  such  as  this  ? 
It  is  to  the  members  and  patrons  of  such  societies  the 
eye  bears  witness  when  it  sees  them,  because  they  de- 
liver the  poor  that  crieth,  the  needy  and  the  fatherless 
who  have  none  to  help  them.  It  is  for  this,  the  names 
of  the  Lady  Glenorchy,  Graham,  Ralston,  and  their  as- 
sociates, will  be  as  ointment  poured  forth,  so  long  as  the 
rescued  child  of  want  shall  live  on  earth,  and  good 
deeds  be  remembered  in  heaven. 

But  it  is  said,  the  whole  management  of  this  institu- 
tion, is  entrusted  to  females.  And  who  beside  are  fit  to 
be  the  confidents  and  guides,  of  females  ?  1  envy  not 
the  heart  of  that  husband,  son  or  brother,  who  does  not 
feel  its  interests,  safely  lodged  in  the  hands  of  the  wives, 
the  daughters,  the  mothers  in  Israel.  Solomon  said, 
many  centuries  ago,  and  the  sex  in  our  age  can  suffer 
little  by  comparison  with  it  in  his,  Every  wise  woman 
buildeth  her  house.  Is  a  combination  of  the  wisdom  of 
many  such  minds,  unequal  to  the  superintendence  and 
direction,  of  an  asylum  such  as  this  ?  There  is  no  haz- 
ard in  affirming,  that  placed  in  their  circumstances,  the 
good  accomplished  by  the  directors  of  this  Society,  will 


21 


bear  comparison  with  that  effected  by  any  combination 
.of  human  wisdom.  On  an  income  whose  average  amount 
has  been  less  than  350  dollars  a  year,  they  have  provid- 
ed for  the  children  under  their  care,  every  necessary  of 
life,  including  books  and  tuition,  as  well  as  food  and 
clothing.*  They  pledge  themselves  to  continue  the 
same  economical  arrangement,  and  will  probably  here- 
after support  their  charge,  at  the  moderate  expense  of 
one  dollar  and  twelve  cents  each,  per  week.  A  sum 
not  more  than  five  times  the  amount  paid  by  the  town 
for  each  of  their  female  children,  for  the  single  item 
of  tuition.  Who,  has  done  as  much,  at  less  expense  ? 
What  family  in  the  commonwealth,  even  in  its  alms 
houses  and  hospitals,  can  furnish  better  evidence  of  good 
management  or  proof  of  greater  vigilance  and  fidelity, 
than  is  uniformly  exhibited  by  these  children  in  their 
health, neatness,  subordination,  and  mental  improvement 
as  well  as  progress  in  the  practical  knowledge  of  domestic 
business  ?  He  that  condemneth  the  just,  no  less  than  he 
who  justifieth  the  wicked,  is  an  abomination  to  the  Lord ; 
arid  he  will  not  be  likely  to  escape  the  imputation  who 
judges  this  Society,  on  partial  information,  and  with  an 
illiberal  spirit. 

GOD  has  smiled  on  this  institution.  He  has  qualified 
its  friends  to  cherish  it,  under  reproaches  and  discour- 
agements from  \yhich  any  other  than  resolute  and  gen- 
erous spirits  would  have  shrunk.  It  has  been  support- 
ed only  by  the  persevering  labors  and  patient  continu- 
ance of  its  members,  in  stated  as  well  as  occasional  con- 
tributions. He  has  suffered  no  acute  disease  to  invade 
the  asylum,  nor  from  its  foundation,  has  one  of  the  num- 
ber of  its  members,  ceased  to  be  a  living  witness  to  the 

importance  of  its  establishment,  and  the  utility  of  its  influ- 

i 

*  Appendix,  2. 


22 


ence.  Few,  if  any.  it  may  be  added,  are  known  to  have 
done  discredit  to  its  instructors  and  guardians,  and  none, 
who  have  received  its  benefits,  will  be  so  ungrateful,  as 
in  no  way  to  contribute  to  its  future  prosperity  ;  certain- 
ly none  among  them  to  whom  it  shall  be  made  the  gate 
to  heaven. 

But  why,  it  is  time  to  ask,  should  this  Society  be  so 
limited  in  its  operations  ?  Why  should  it  be  compelled 
to  refuse  a  place  of  refuge  to  any  native  foundling,  want- 
ing its  protection  and  care.  Is  there  not  wealth  enough 
to  supply  the  means  of  relief  to  eyery  proper  object  of 
their  charity  ?  Or  is  there  too  little  Christian  compas- 
sion, in  this  elevated  community  ?  Surely  it  will  not  be 
pretended,  that  on  such  compassion,  any  portion  of  our 
suffering  race  advance  a  fairer  claim  than  destitute 
orphan  children.  None  appeal  more  impressively  to 
the  feelings  of  our  common  nature.  The  claim  of  none? 
to  pity,  is  more  powerfully  enforced  by  the  example  of 
him,  whom  we  address  as  the  GOD  of  the  widow  and 
the  Father  of  the  fatherless. 

Is  there  present,  a  Priest  or  Levite  who  doubts,  01 
who  chuses  to  make  himself  a  stranger,  to  the  children 
this  day  presented  him  ?  Children  ignorant  of  their 
own  dangers  and  unable  to  plead  their  own  cause.  Let 
him  listen  to  Christ's  benediction  of  the  less  pitiable 
children  of  his  embrace,  let  him  read  his  parable  of  the 
good  Samaritan,  and  pass  by  them  unfeelingly,  if  he  can. 

Having  seen  that  it  is  the  tendency  of  this  institu* 
tion  to  promote  industry  frugality  and  the  other  domes- 
tic virtues ;  that  it  is  an  antidote  to  vice  and  wretched- 
ness ;  and  that,  by  its  direct  influence  in  fixing  the  prin- 
ciples of  religion  and  qualifying  the  pupil  for  the  impor- 
tant station  of  wife,  mother  and  friend,  it  subserves  the 
best  interests  of  society  and  the  highest  Avelfarc  of  tlic 


individual ;  it  must  be  obvious  that  all  its  faithful  mem- 
bers, are  laboring  with  us  in  the  gospel.  The  object  of 
this  Society  and  that  of  the  Christian  minister,  however 
it  may  differ  in  comprehensiveness,  and  in  the  mode  of 
accomplishment,  is  one.  The  friend  of  the  one,  of  con- 
sequence, if  consistent  with  himself,  is  the  friend  of  both. 

HELP  THEN  THESE  WOMEN,  ye  who  are  not  ashamed 
of  the  gospel. 

Help,  sons  of  AFFLUENCE  and  PLENTY,  who  have  no 
children  of  your  own  or  none  who  have  not  a  compe- 
tence. Offer  them  your  purse  ;  do  something  worthy  of 
men,  charged  by  the  GOD  who  maketh  thee  to  differ, 
to  be  rich  in  good  works,  willing  to  distribute,  ready  to 
communicate. 

Help  for  GRATITUDE,  ye  whom  GOD  has  fed  all  your 
life  long,  with  the  richest  dainties  of  the  earth  and  of 
the  sea. 

Help  for  FEAR,  ye  whose  children  after  all  your  la- 
bor and  policy,  may  by  one  revolution  of  the  wheel  of 
providence,  be  glad  to  find  a  place  in  this  asylum  of  the 
destitute. 

Help,  ministers  of  Jesus,  they  labor  with  you  in  the 
cause  of  public  virtue  and  morality,  of  human  comfort 
and  the  kingdom  of  GOD. 

Help,  O  thou  GOD  of  christians,  shield  of  the  stran- 
ger and  friend  of  the  destitute,  help  this  feeble  band, 
who, would  cooperate  with  Thee,  and  while  the  dew  of 
heaven  descends  on  other  Christian  associations,  let  not 
their  fleece  be  dry. 

Let  each  of  this  community  consent  to  do  his  duty, 
and  this  stinted  plant  shall  become  a  tree,  extending  its 
roots  and  spreading  forth  its  branches  to  give  to  all  that 
need,  the  threefold  benefit  of  protection,  sustenance  and 
wisdom.  The  cry  of  these  children,  unable  intelligibly 


to  supplicate  for  themselves,  is  written  for  them  in  sacred 
language.  Consider  and  behold  our  reproach.  Our  inher- 
itance is  turned  to  strangers,  our  houses  to  aliens.  We 
are  orphans  and  fatherless,  our  mothers,  are  as  widows. 

Hearers !  this  institution  should  be  honorably  sup- 
ported. ECONOMY  requires  it.  There  is  no  way  of  sav- 
ing the  money,  necessarily  expended  for  the  indigent, 
less  precarious,  than  that  which  makes  charity  the  hand- 
maid to  industry.  This  too,  is  the  only  way  to  foster 
self-respect  in  the  children  of  honest  poverty.  How  much 
greater  must  have  been  the  ultimate  expense  to  this 
town,  of  the  38  children  provided  for  by  this  Society, 
had  they  been  left  to  the  ordinary  courses  of  the  vag- 
rant, exposed  to  the  formation  of  those  vicious  habits, 
which  bring  disease  helplessness  and  crime  in  their 
train,  and  as  the  unavoidable  result,  confinement  for  life 
to  the  alms  house  hospital  or  prison  ?  By  becoming 
their  early  guardians  and  guides,  this  Society  has.  pre- 
vented much  waste,  both  of  morals  and  of  property, 
perhaps  is  destined  to  save  the  town  from  another  con- 
flagration.* 

May  we  not  safely  affirm  that  this  institution  will  be 
supported.  Self-love  requires  it.  Our  families  need 
females  of  such  qualifications  as  are  given  to  those  who 
are  trained  in  its  school,  for  their  domestic  comfort. 
They  are  exposed  to  incalculable  evils  by  employing 
such,  as  do  not  possess  them.t  The  necessity  for  such 
services  as  honest  and  capable  domestics  are  able  to  ren- 
der, arises  out  of  the  different  circumstances  of  society, 
which  heaven  has  ordained  to  be  perpetual.  By  this 
ordination,  often  ignorantly  or  impiously  regretted,  the 
rich  for  many  of  their  domestic  comforts,  will  always  be 
dependent  on  the  poor.  In  training  up  these  children, 

*  Appendix,  3.  f  Appendix,  4. 


therefore,  to  frugality,  neatness,  and  a  regard  to  moral 
principles,  as  well  as  the  business  of  housewifery,  we 
bless  ourselves  and  our  neighbors,  as  well  as  the  sub- 
jects of  our  bounty.  We  make  of  them,  by  a  practical 
conversion,  a  most  valuable  class  of  our  community. 

This  institution  must  be  supported.  HUMANITY  re- 
quires it.  Shall  gold  and  the  little  attention  from  us, 
necessary  to  its  prosperity,  come  into  competition  with 
the  interests  and  the  duties  of  humanity  ?  The  lady 
who  paid  from  her  private  purse,  a  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars,  for  the  redemption  of  the  little  Osage  captive, 
has  furnished  us  with  better  hopes.  The  sex  will  not 
allow  such  forlorn  children  to  become  outcasts,  if  hu- 
manity only,  be  the  actuating  motive.  They  are  objects 
of  pity.  They  are  unfortunate.  It  is  not  their  crime  to 
have  descended  from  men  of  broken  fortunes,  or  from 
weak,  or  wicked,  or  improvident  parents.  They  ought 
not  to  be  neglected.  They  must  be  sustained  and 
comforted. 

The  HONOR  of  the  TOWN,  requires  it.  Its  reputation, 
like  that  of  every  other  town  in  like  circumstances,  de- 
pends in  no  small  degree,  upon  the  flourishing  state  of 
its  humane  and  charitable  institutions.  The  neighbor- 
ing towns  of  Salern  and  Portsmouth,  to  the  time  of  their 
last  printed  reports,  have  furnished  us  worthy  examples. 
The  first,  for  thirteen  years  from  the  foundation  of  its 
asylum,  including  widows  and  orphans,  received  on  an 
average  more  than  900  dollars  annually,  in  addition  to 
very  liberal  donations  in  materials  for  cloathing;*  and 
since  that  period,  has  added  a  thousand  dollars,  to  the 
Society's  fund.  In  Portsmouth  the  average  amount  of 
contributions,  added  to  the  sum  received  from  annual 
subscribers,  to  the  year  1815,  was  476  dollars  annually  : 

D  *  Appendix,  5. 


their  expenses,  generally  570.  In  a  single  legacy  the 
asylum  received  500  dollars,  and  by  the  donation  of 
seven  individuals,  761  dollars.* 

We  are  to  decide  the  questions,  on  this  view  of  facts, 
will  we  be  characterized  by  the  spirit  of  virtuous  emu- 
lation ?  Will  it  do  us  honor,  to  suffer  this  institution  to 
fail  ?- — The  representation  which  an  abandonment  of  it, 
would  give  of  our  moral  character,  would  be,  in  my 
view,  a  disgraceful' representation.  Who  among  its  in- 
habitants is  willing  the  town  should  sustain  it  ? 

The  Society  anticipates  some  uncommon  exertions  in 
its  behalf,  the  present  year;  and  while  it  attaches  much 
importance  to  your  annual  contributions,  indulges  the 
hope,  that  such  as  cannot  be  present  on  this  anniversa- 
ry, or  who  prefer  a  different  mode  from  that  adopted, 
of  contributing  to  its  aid,  will  devise  some  liberal  and 
efficient  means  of  swelling  the  amount  of  its  fund.  Let 
female  charity  continue  to  do  honor  to  female  tender- 
ness and  consistency  and  this  Society,  increasing  in  num- 
bers and  exertions,  will  soon  extend  its  blessing  to  ev- 
ery object,  of  its  appropriate  solicitude. 

This  institution  shall  unquestionably  be  sustained ; 
for  in  the  last  place,  CHRISTIANITY  requires  it.  No  en- 
lightened and  unprejudiced  disciple,  will  be  deaf  to  the 
cry,  which  has  come  up  into  his  cars.  The  cry  of  crea- 
tures ready  to  perish,  because,  out  of  this  Society,  they 
have  none  to  succor  them.  It  is  a  popular  sentiment, 
arid  I  mean  not  to  controvert  it.  that  he  who  makes  two 
blades  of  grass  to  grow,  where  but  one  grew  before,  de- 
serves well  of  his  country  and  of  man.  But  if  to  re- 
deem a  swamp,  or  increase  the  productiveness  of  a  farm, 
be  worthy  of  such  an  eulogy,  how  much  more  the  opera- 
tion^ which  redeems  the  moral  wastes  we  have  survey- 

*  Appendix,  6. 


,ed,  and  converts  sources  of  human  misery  and  ruin,  intp 
.streams  of  health,  refreshment,  and  salvation !  Is  it  con- 
ceded, that  this  is,  on  Christian  principles  to  do  good  ? 
Then  recollect,  that  to  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good 

:and  doth  it  not,   to  kim,  it  is  sin.--- Go    forward   then, 

.daughters  of  Charity,  undiscouraged  in  well-doing,  stcd- 
•fast,  immoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  .work  of  the 
Lord.  We  covet  the  pleasure  of  saying  to  this  Society, 
while  at  the  same  time  doing  honor  to  others,  many 
daughters  have  done  virtuously,  but  thou  exccllest  them 
all.  Conducting  all  your  concerns  with  fervent  prayer 
and  humble  reliance  on  him,  who  alone  gives  success  to 

7  O 

*he  holiest  enterprize,  you  will,  in  the  proper  time,  see 
the  fruit  of  your  labors,  and  be  satisfied  with  your  reward. 
The  earnestness,  with  which  I  have  urged  this  sub- 
ject on  your  attention,,  may  seem  to  exceed  its  magni- 
tude. If  such  be  the  fact,  the  former  prejudice  against 
the  institution  is  a  sufficient  apology.  But  this  Christian 
.charity  ought  to  interest  us,  no  less  than  a  share  in  the 
blessing  of  them  who  are  ready  to  perish.  Have  not 
•you  then  as  well  as  I,  has  not  every  member  of  this 
community,  a  deep  interest  in  it?  Or  will  the  obliga- 
tions of  this  Society  and  their  advocate  be  remember- 
ed at  the  bar  of  GOD,  arid  the  duties  of  those  whose  aid 
we  supplicate,  be  forgotten?  There,  the  author  and 
judge  of  our  faith,  will  acknowledge  our  supply  of  the 
wants,  of  the  most  insignificant  among  the  redeemed,  a 
service  done  to  him.  There  too,  it  will  be  effectually 
learned,  that  such  as  have  withheld  their  help,  have 
withheld  it,  from  the  Lord.  Live,  beloved  hearer,  and 
,act  in  faith  of  these  truths,  and  I  am  sure  you  will  fulfil 
.every  reasonable  expectation.  You  will  confer  daily  ben- 
efits on  the  world,  and  furnish  a  source  of  reflection  for 
yourselves,  of  which  you  shall  never,  no,  never  bo  ashamed, 


AJHUBDJE 


.THE  following  HVMN,  composed  for  the  occasion  and  sung  on  the  I9tb 
anniversary  of  the  Society,  is  inserted  by  particular  request. 


POWER  supreme  !  enthron'd  above, 
Source  of  Virtue  GOD  of  Love  ! 
In  whose  Pity  all  things  share 
Hear  a  helpless  Orphan's  prayer. 


When  forsaken  of  my  kind 
faint  my  heart  and  dark  my  mind, 
Thou  who  hear'st  the  ravens  cry 
Turn'd  on  me  her  pitying  eye. 

In  a.  female  form  she  came, 
By  a  Savior's  powerful  name 
Taught  to  feel,  to  love,  to  give ; 
Saw,  and  wept  and  bade  me  live. 

Now  again  a  Mother's  voice 
Makes  my  trembling  heart  rejoice, 
Now  a  more  than  Mother's  care 
Guides  my  steps  through  ev'ry  snare. 

Open  LORD  thy  gracious  ear 
For  thy  love  and  mercy  hear  ; 
If  thy  pity  still  I  share 
Hear  O  hear  the  Orphan's  prayer. 

When  beneath  the  adverse  storm, 
Sorrow  threats  or  bows  that  form 
Stooping  in  a  Savior's  name, 
Me  to  save  from  want  and  shame. 

Then  thou  GOD  of  peace  be  near, 
Stay  or  wipe  the  starting  tear, 
Then  to  her  thy  mercy  be 
What  her  mercy  was  to  me. 

When  thy  foes  from  Virtue's  way 
Tempt  her  doubtful  feet  to  stray, 
Holy  Spirit !  then  descend 
Guide  and  guard  the  Orphan's  friend. 

When  our  tears  bedew  her  urn 
When  like  us  her  offspring  mourn 
Shield  of  goodness  !  then  defend 
The  children  of  the  Orphan's  friend. 


30 


I. 

THE  following1  List  contains  the  names  of  all  who  have  preached 


on  the  anniversary  of  the  Society. 

1604,  Rev.  Doct.  DANA,  1813, 

5,  JAMES  Moass,  14, 

6,  Doct.  POPKIN,  15, 

7,  JAMES  MILTIMORE,  16, 

8,  Doct.  PARISH,  17, 

9,  — Doct.  BUCKMINSTER,  18, 

10,  E.  HUBBARD,  19, 

11,  M.STUART,  20, 

12,  A.  ABBOT,  21, 


Rev.  J.  CODMAN, 

Doct.  DANA, 

— —  J.  TUCKER, 
J.  MORSS, 

L.  WlTHINGTON, 

W.  F.  ROWLAND, 

H.  BLATCHFORD, 

L.  F.  DIMMICK. 


II. 

THE  Table  below,  giyes  a  yiew  of  the  Receipts  on  which  the  pre- 
ceding statement  is  founded.  Since  the  statement  was  made,  it  is  found 
that  the  product  of  the  Society's  fund,  about  60  dollars  annually  is  noj 
included  in  the  estimate  of  its  expenses. 


Amount  of 
Collection 

Amount  of 
Subscribers 

Amount  of    Amount  of 
Collection     Subscribers 

after  Serm 

Tax. 

after  Serm. 

Tax. 

1803, 
4, 

D.  C. 

Dols. 
260 
294 

1813, 
14, 

D.  C. 

63,04 
42,70 

Dols. 
204 
186 

210,00 

5, 

121,33£ 

272 

15, 

49,13 

198 

6, 

119,39 

264 

16, 

53,25 

19? 

7, 

120,00 

274 

17, 

30,46 

176 

8, 

94,00 

256 

18, 

31,12f 

160 

9, 

131,40 

236 

19, 

54,11 

148 

10, 

57,14 

230 

20, 



146 

11, 

93,85 

264 

21, 

33,12 

162 

12, 

56,22 

238 

The  donations  which  are  to  be  added  to  the  above  sums  average  52  dolls, 
a  year,  giving  a  total  of  6508  dolls,  and  27  cts.  expended  by  the  Society. 


III. 

THIS  remark,  is  not  without  meaning.  The  parents  of  the  unhappy 
boy  executed  at  Salem  in  May  last  for  Arson,  have  repeatedly  assured 
me,  that  his  crime  and  consequent  execution,  were  to  be  surely  traced 
to  his  association  with  females  of  dissolute  character. 


IV. 

THE  evils  alluded  to,  are  deeply  and  extensively  felt  in  countries  old- 
er than  our  own,  and  have  given  rise  to  Societies  whose  sole  object  is  to 
encourage  the  worthy,  and  prevent  the  employment  of  unfaithful  domes- 
tics. Is  it  not  better,  to  provide  as  far  as  possible  an  antidote  to  those 
evils  than  to  suffer  by  our  negligence,  the  necessity  of  a  resort  to  so  in- 
vidious a  mode  of  cure  ? 


V. 

% 
FOR  the  details  whence  this  account  is  made  up,  see  Appendix  to 

Professor  Stuart's  Sermon  before  the  Society  in  Salem,  1815. 


VI. 

FOR  particulars,  see  the  printed  account  of  the  Female  Asylum,    * 
Portsmouth,  N.  H.  1815.     Since  that  account  was  published  the  Society 
in  Portsmouth,  for  reasons  which  I  am  unable  to  state,  has  ceased  to  be 
an  example,  such  as  its  own  members  would  be  willing  to  recommend. — 
"  Ye  did  run  well,  who  did  hinder  you." 


FORM  OF  A  BEQUEST. 

/  give  to  the  Managers  of  the  Female  Charitable  Society  ofNewbury- 
port, dollars,  for  the  purposes  of  said  Society, for  which,  the  re- 
ceipt of  its  Treasurer  for  the  time  being,  shall  be  a  sufficient  discharge. 


%: 


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